A completely new NSX is not needed. Is the current design dated? No, the design is timeless. I have not seen one concept car - including the HSC - or picture or drawing or sketch or anything that looks better than the current NSX. Needs more power? Sure, but power can be increased without too much trouble, either by using a similar V6 with larger displacement or by switching to forced induction. Dated interior? I find it perfect, but it could be totally redesigned if you must without designing a new car.
My point is this - and Honda, please listen: The Porsche 911 has been around for ever and it has evolved from an improved Volkswagen Beetle to what it is today. The concept, shape, character, etc. has been kept but the mechanicals and technological sophistication has been updated time after time. Porsche increases horsepower when needed mostly by increasing the displacement of its engines, and it updates the looks of the car by modifying the bodies with the current trend- e.g. look at the return to the oval headlights and other old features on the new 997.
The same has been true for the Corvette. Only this year GM decided to go with a fixed headlight on the Corvette, yet very few people were calling the flip ups on the C5 "dated". When did the C4 come out? 1984? Ever since, the concept, shape and character has remained the same, the mechanicals and technological sophistication is what has been updated.
My recommendation to Honda: Keep the current body and start next year by giving 400HP to the current NSX, put on bigger wheels, vented Brembos with huge calipers front and back, and work on an exhaust system that will have the same level of noise inside the cabin as today's car (nil) and a more aggresive note outside when accelerating. Update the interior by adding a stereo/NAV system like that found on the new TL or new RL, and while doing all this, do whatever is needed to keep the weight the same.
Keep the price at the same level and I believe you would have a more respected example of your "halo" car. Who knows, you might sell a few more each year as you continue the improvement plan that will put it on a par with the Porsche 911, the F430 and their successors. :wink:
My point is this - and Honda, please listen: The Porsche 911 has been around for ever and it has evolved from an improved Volkswagen Beetle to what it is today. The concept, shape, character, etc. has been kept but the mechanicals and technological sophistication has been updated time after time. Porsche increases horsepower when needed mostly by increasing the displacement of its engines, and it updates the looks of the car by modifying the bodies with the current trend- e.g. look at the return to the oval headlights and other old features on the new 997.
The same has been true for the Corvette. Only this year GM decided to go with a fixed headlight on the Corvette, yet very few people were calling the flip ups on the C5 "dated". When did the C4 come out? 1984? Ever since, the concept, shape and character has remained the same, the mechanicals and technological sophistication is what has been updated.
My recommendation to Honda: Keep the current body and start next year by giving 400HP to the current NSX, put on bigger wheels, vented Brembos with huge calipers front and back, and work on an exhaust system that will have the same level of noise inside the cabin as today's car (nil) and a more aggresive note outside when accelerating. Update the interior by adding a stereo/NAV system like that found on the new TL or new RL, and while doing all this, do whatever is needed to keep the weight the same.
Keep the price at the same level and I believe you would have a more respected example of your "halo" car. Who knows, you might sell a few more each year as you continue the improvement plan that will put it on a par with the Porsche 911, the F430 and their successors. :wink:
. NAV Pod, indash CD. And how about a little more storage! 18" wheels will be fine, but we need at least 285's on the rear. Update the ABS and brakes (ceramic option). Probably add paddle shifters as an option.
), it's like most German car manufacturers very, very conservative.
